Prenatal Vitamins – When and Why You Should Start Taking Prenatal Supplements

Why are prenatal vitamins important? What weeks of pregnancy should prenatal vitamins be added to a pregnant woman’s diet?

Prenatal vitamins are crucial for ensuring that pregnant women get the necessary vitamins and minerals to support a healthy pregnancy. Doctors often recommend beginning a daily prenatal vitamin regimen as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, ideally in the first trimester, to maximize benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. These vitamins are vital for fetal development and can help prevent birth defects, especially in the spinal cord and brain.

Ritual prenatal vitamins offer a comprehensive mineral supplement that includes fatty fish sources of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), crucial for fetal brain development, and folic acid, which is essential for preventing neural tube defects. Taking a prenatal vitamin daily is recommended to support the increased nutritional needs during pregnancy. Additionally, food sources like citrus fruits, dairy products, and whole grains should be incorporated into the diet to complement these supplements and ensure a balance of nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.

What is the best supplement for women who are expecting or trying to conceive? Is Ritual considered the best option by healthcare provider groups and organizations? Are there certain nutrients for the baby’s brain and fetal health that are not seen in other supplements?

Ritual has spent a lot of time and effort discovering suppliers worldwide that can provide us with Made TraceableTM-compliant ingredients. It’s not enough to put a label on your product if you don’t believe in full transparency. It is via the input of their expert scientific advisory board that they can stay on top of the most recent findings in scientific research and product development. If you decide to take this, do talk with your healthcare provider about it.

Nordic Naturals DHA is one example of a supplement that can be taken in conjunction with Ritual to ensure that mothers consume all nutrients for the baby’s brain and for a healthy pregnancy. Of course, a healthy diet is still recommended by your health care provider.

Benefits Of Prenatal Vitamins

Ritual prenatal vitamins are a great way to ensure your baby is receiving all of the key nutrients it needs during its development. Prenatal vitamins important for your body provide essential nutrients while you are carrying a baby. There are many benefits when you start taking supplements, aside from getting all other nutrients that you are not able to have when you’re pregnant.

• Lowers the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida

Fetal neural tube defects or abnormalities such as spina bifida (a cleft spine) and anencephaly can be prevented by getting plenty of folate in your body early in pregnancy and before conception (improper skull, spinal cord, and fetal brain development).  Your baby’s risk of being diagnosed with a neural tube defect can be decreased by up to 70 percent if you take more folic acid, along with certain nutrients, before and during pregnancy. The more folic acid you take, the more assured you are that your baby is safe. Start taking supplements as early as necessary for the baby’s brain and spinal cord development or as instructed by your health care provider. Remember that a neural tube defect may cause a miscarriage as well.

To support spinal cord development and prevent food allergies or reactions to major allergens, it’s essential to ensure the prenatal vitamins are non-GMO project verified and have undergone third-party testing. Women may need higher doses of certain nutrients like vitamin B6, and choline plays a crucial role in fetal brain development, so it should be included in the prenatal regimen.

• Reduces the risk of rickets

In youngsters, rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D and involves weaker and softening bones. Fractures and abnormalities can occur as a result. Calcium and phosphorus are better absorbed when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy increases your child’s risk of rickets, irregular bone growth, and developmental delays. To avoid this, pregnant women should start taking prenatal vitamins, which include enough vitamin D and other nutrients for a healthy pregnancy earlier and onwards. Some may experience a few side effects from taking it, so it would be best to talk to your healthcare provider about it.

• Prevents preterm birth

Health care providers would mostly agree that it’s important to take a prenatal vitamin when pregnant to ensure you get sufficient iron and other key nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. It is possible to prevent low birth weight, low birth weight-related complications, and infant death by minimizing iron deficiency anemia. It is also crucial to maintain a healthy diet. 

• Helps calcium Absorption.

Pregnant women over the age of 19 should consume 1,000 mg of calcium every day, although some may ask their health care provider if this is the right dose for them. Women under the age of 18 should take 1,300 mg daily. Your infant needs calcium and certain nutrients for healthy bones, teeth,  nerves, heart, and muscles, blood-clotting, and heartbeat rhythms.

Preeclampsia and hypertension can be prevented by getting enough calcium, along with other nutrients (high blood pressure). Your growing child will drain calcium from your bones if you do not consume enough of it while pregnant, which can have long-term consequences for your health. Some of your recommended daily requirements may be met by taking supplements. But as always, reach out to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement or multivitamin. 

• Lowers risk of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a hazardous illness that causes high blood pressure, water retention, and an excess of protein in the urine, can reduce the mother’s risk of development if she takes more folic acid early in her pregnancy. C-sections may be necessary for extremely high blood pressure situations of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia and hypertension can be prevented by getting enough calcium, along with other nutrients (high blood pressure). Your growing child will drain calcium from your bones if you do not consume enough of it while pregnant, which can have long-term consequences for your health. Some of your recommended daily requirements may be met by taking a prenatal supplement. But as always, reach out to your healthcare provider before taking any separate supplement or multivitamin.

Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, a hazardous illness that causes high blood pressure, water retention, and an excess of protein in the urine, can have their risk reduced if the pregnant woman starts taking folic acid early in her pregnancy. C-sections may be necessary for extremely high blood pressure situations of preeclampsia. Morning sickness is also a common issue that can be managed by taking a prenatal vitamin daily as part of a daily routine to begin taking as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.

If you experience extreme side effects while taking over-the-counter prenatal vitamins, consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend taking prescription supplements instead.

Here Are 12 Traceable Ingredients Found In Ritual Prenatal Vitamins

• Folate

Folic acid’s active form, 5-MTHF, is methylated folate. Up to one-third of people have gene variants that make converting folic acid to folate difficult. Bone marrow produces red and white blood cells, DNA, and RNA. Folate is a vital B vitamin for these processes. During growth, such as pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence, having a proper amount of folate is crucial. Many recommend taking a supplement that includes methylated folate since it’s easier to absorb.

• Omega-3 DHA

Because fatty acids are more beneficial to the environment than fish oil, they utilize a vegan-certified variant made from microalgae. Chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis, may be prevented or improved by a supplement with DHA and fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids DHA can be found in the best prenatal vitamins sold in stores. A sufficient intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is crucial for the baby’s brain development. Essential fatty acids are important for both the mother’s health and the baby’s brain development. EHA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is another Omega-3 fatty acid that reduces the risk of preterm birth.

• Vitamin B12

Cyanocobalamin, the most prevalent type of vitamin B12, is not used since it is not biologically active. Among its many functions, Vitamin B12 aids in the production of DNA, the genetic material found in all of your cells, as well as the health of your body’s blood and nerve cells. Megaloblastic anemia, a blood disorder that causes fatigue and weakness, can be prevented with vitamin B12 when it is used as a multivitamin while pregnant or trying to conceive. 

• Choline

Ritual’s choline is a premium product clinically tested and produced using nature-identical tartrate. More than 90% of pregnant women aren’t getting adequate choline from their food supply. You need choline to ensure that your brain and liver are functioning properly. Fatty liver disease can be prevented with a choline supplement.

• Iodine

A USP-grade version of potassium iodide is used to produce the iodine. Iodine aids in the correct functioning of the body’s energy-producing systems.

• Vitamin D

As a result, instead of animal products like sheep’s wool or fish liver, they went with a vegan-certified variety of responsibly farmed lichen. Vitamin D deficiency is frequent among vegans, thus, they are urged to take a daily vitamin loaded with vitamin D. 

• Vitamin C

Pregnant women benefit greatly from some extra vitamin C. Vitamin C can be consumed through several vegetables and fruits that we eat often. Tomatoes, oranges, kiwi, bell peppers, and white potatoes all contain vitamin C. Is it safe to take vitamin C when you are pregnant? Yes, vitamin C is safe to take for pregnant women. Vitamin C, along with other essential nutrients, is beneficial in boosting one’s immune system, which is crucial for pregnant women. Take prenatal vitamins that contain sufficient vitamin C.

• Biotin

Nature-identical Biotin is what Ritual prenatal vitamins offer. Shortfalls in biotin during pregnancy are typical. Take a vitamin such as Ritual to complete your daily biotin requirements. 

• Iron

An iron supplement has a bioavailable form that has been proven to be safe and friendly on the gastrointestinal tract, unlike other forms. Red blood cell production is aided by iron, so take a supplement that is full of iron – you tremendously need it if you’re pregnant. Do note that iron may cause constipation. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about taking a stool softener.

On the other hand, a prenatal supplement can help prevent constipation, a common issue during pregnancy, by including ingredients like fat found naturally in fatty fish and other nutrients found in food sources such as citrus fruits, dairy products, and whole grains.

• Boron

Clinical studies back up Ritual’s choice of calcium fructoborate, a naturally occurring calcium salt. One of the nutrients that aid the absorption of calcium is boron. You need boron to help your body utilize essential nutrients, as well as bone health and hormone levels. Regarding daily value, there is no recognized guideline for boron.

• Vitamin E

They used no soy, mixed tocopherols supply that fits the content of Vitamin E found in healthful foods. According to new research, nearly two-thirds of all adults, adolescents, and children do not consume enough vitamin E in their daily meals. It is one of the best things for expecting mothers, as recommended by doctors. 

• Vitamin K2

Soy-free sources are hard to come by, but Ritual has a bioavailable form from a non-soy source. Bone health benefits from vitamin K. It aids in maintaining healthy skin and bones, enhancing cognitive abilities, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a result, vitamin K2 is critical to the body’s utilization of calcium as a building block for bones and to prevent the formation of calcium deposits in blood vessels. Animal products and preserved meals include vitamin K2.

• Magnesium

Chelated Magnesium has been found in clinical research to be better absorbed by the human body than other Magnesium chelates.  Vitamin D3 and Magnesium aid in the correct contraction of muscles.

What do you think of Ritual prenatal vitamins? Bookmark Family Hype page for more health updates. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should You Start Prenatal Supplements?

It’s best to start taking supplements as soon as you decide to try to get pregnant. This will ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs to support a healthy pregnancy. If you’re not a fan of taking supplements in tablet form, you can take gummy supplements instead. Most gummies are gentle enough to be taken on an empty stomach. They also come in different flavors, so you can avoid the fishy taste that many other supplements have.

Which Prenatal Supplements Are Best For Pregnancy And For The Baby’s Brain Development?

Along with a balanced diet, you should take a supplement that contains DHA and iron. Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells, while a DHA supplement aids in the baby’s brain development. You’ll also need extra folic acid, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects and other complications. B vitamins and chelated minerals are also essential, as well as enough choline and pantothenic acid.

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Prenatal Supplements Before Pregnancy?

A person carrying a baby has unique nutritional demands. Taking supplements before conception helps ensure that your getting all the important nutrients you need to prepare your body for pregnancy. This is especially important because the baby’s neural tube starts developing in the first month. Just make sure you don’t take any additional supplements since they might not be compatible with your pregnancy supplements.

Can I Get Pregnant While Taking A Prenatal?

Is It Okay To Take Prenatal Supplements If You Are Not Pregnant?

What Should You Avoid When Taking Prenatal Supplements?

Who Should Not Take Prenatals?

How Do I Choose A Prenatal Multivitamin?

What Happens If You Don’t Take Prenatals?

How Long Do You Need To Take Prenatal Multivitamins?

What Does A Prenatal Vitamin Do?

Can I Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Consulting A Doctor?

What If I Forget To Take My Prenatal Vitamins for 3 Days?

Do Obstetricians Prescribe Prenatal Vitamins?

When Should I Stop Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Bernadine Racoma

DISCLAIMER (IMPORTANT): This information (including all text, images, audio, or other formats on FamilyHype.com) is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional advice, diagnosis, endorsement or treatment. You should not take any action or avoid taking action without consulting a qualified professional.   Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about medical conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here a FamilyHype.com.